BRIAN JOEL FLEISHMAN

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BRIAN JOEL FLEISHMAN On Sunday, June 29, 2014, a rainy morning when he should have been at the cottage drinking coffee and working on a crossword puzzle, Brian passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, after a short, but valiant fight with lung cancer. Brian will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by his wife of 46 years, Janet; his children Melissa and Ian Cobb, and Jennifer and Perry Ohlson; his granddaughters Tracy, Sydney, and Piper; his sister and brother-in-law Denise and Arthur Waldman, and his sister-in-law Bobbie Gunn; his nieces and nephews, as well as many friends and extended family members. He was predeceased by his parents, Sydney and Golutha Fleishman, and his in-laws, Jack and Clara Feingold. Brian was born in on September 3, 1943, in Winnipeg. He spent the school year in the city, and summers at the family cottage in Winnipeg Beach. Wherever he was, he was surrounded by friends. Brian excelled in school, so much so, that he graduated from high school at the age of 15. He entered the Faculty of Engineering, with his mother driving his carpool until he was old enough to get his driver's license. Engineering and Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity life seemed to co-exist well, as he managed to graduate as a professional engineer at the age of 20. Brian worked over 20 years for Government Services as a civil engineer. In 1991, he decided to take his show on the road and opened up his own consulting business. He'd made numerous contacts throughout his government career, and his reputation as an excellent engineer allowed him to generate a plethora of projects, most recently, renovations at the AFM. When asked what type of engineer he was, Brian always answered, "a good one". Brian was very community minded. He served as the convener for the River Heights Community Center soccer program for numerous years, he was an active member on numerous committees at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, and he donated money to various charities every year. He was also very generous with his time for family and friends; giving advice regarding home improvement plans and serving as a talented handyman whenever needed. In 2010 Brian and Janet became "snowbirds", spending two months in Scottsdale, Arizona. Brian took pleasure in the preparations almost as much as the trip itself. There they reconnected with many old friends, which made the time even more enjoyable. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all of the staff on the High Observation and GB3 units at the Health Sciences Centre for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Brian and his family during his stay. A special thanks goes to Dr. Anne Sutherland, for her ability to treat the patient, not just the illness. The family will be forever grateful for her presence in the last month of Brian's life. Funeral services were held on July 2, 2014 at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, followed by interment at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbearers were his sons-in-law Perry Ohlson and Ian Cobb, his nephews Jonathan Waldman and Tom Hildahl, and his longtime friends Jack Buchalter and Zivan Saper. Donations in Brian's memory may be made to: The University of Manitoba Civil Engineering Class of 1964 Bursary Fund c/o Suzanne Monroe 137 Innovation Dr. Winnipeg, MB R3T 6B6.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 19, 2014